Fishing up millions of kilos of waste earns Boyan Slat Qatari prize

Boyan Slat, founder of The Ocean Cleanup, received the International Young Energy Leader Award in Qatar for his efforts in combating plastic pollution. His organization has removed 65 million kilograms of waste from oceans and rivers. Slat highlighted the irony of receiving an award in a country that is a major fossil fuel exporter. The Ocean Cleanup focuses on intercepting plastic in rivers, which contribute significantly to ocean pollution. Despite securing $121 million in funding, Slat still seeks an additional $40 million annually to expand operations. He emphasizes technological innovation over reduced consumption as the solution to environmental issues.